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“Then my work here is done.”
“Not quite,” Henry said. He placed the last of Tammy’s items in the bag and tapped a few keys on the register. “Your total is forty-two dollars and fifty-three cents. If you can stop flirting with Officer Cross, that is.”
Tammy laughed. “Don’t be jealous, Henry. You’re still my favorite grocer.”
Henry took her money, fighting a grin. “Oh good. I was worried.”
“Unfortunately, neither of you can compare to the knight in shining armor I have waiting for me out in the car.” Tammy’s husband, Nick Cain was her polar opposite. A camo-wearing introvert who preferred hunting in the woods to hanging with people, while Tammy adored attention and beautiful things. Somehow, they made it work, which should be inspirational for anyone.
“Nick's a lucky guy,” Jared said.
“'Course he is.” She picked up her bag and hefted it onto one curvy hip. “You gentleman take care.”
“Have a good night, Tammy,” Henry called after her. When she was out of sight, the older man faced Jared with a frown. “I guess you want your brother?”
“I’ll take them all, if you need me to.”
Henry pulled his keys out of his pocket. “I’ve already called Devon and Finn’s parents. They should be here soon. I was going to call Karen, but I didn’t want to put any undue stress on her with everything else going on.”
Living in Snowy Springs was both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, everyone knew everyone else's business and the whole town helped out the Jeffries whenever they could.
On the other hand, no one could keep a secret either.
Jared nodded. “I appreciate that.”
Henry heaved his short, round frame from behind the register and opened the door to his front office. He glared at someone out of Jared’s sight.
“Your brother's here to get you. Do not come back into my store unless you’re with your mother.”
“My mother’s dead, asshole.”
Jared recognized Casey’s voice and clenched his jaw. The teen walked past Henry and stopped in front of Jared. His curly brown head barely reached Jared’s shoulder and he glared up at him with defiant brown eyes.
“Well? Let’s go.”
When Casey started for the door, Jared grabbed him by the back of his hoodie. “Not until you apologize to Mr. Salvatore.”
“For what?”
“Stealing from him? Calling him an asshole? Take your pick.”
Casey scoffed, “This is such bullshit.”
Jared took Casey's shoulders in his hands and glared down at him. “Say it, or I’m calling mom.”
“Call Karen. Tell her, I said hi.”
Jared turned his brother around and before he could get a reign on his temper, he jerked him toward the exit.
“Henry, call my mom and let her know to meet us at the station.”
“You’re seriously arresting me because I won’t apologize?”
“No. I’m not arresting you...yet. But if you keep mouthing off, I may be tempted.”
“Blow me, Officer Douchebag.”
“Let’s go.” Jared headed for the exit with his brother dragging his feet. He caught a flash of blonde hair out of the corner of his eye and nearly stumbled. Green eyes held his as Anna Beth stood alongside the book rack, clutching a paperback with a Christmas tree on the front.
